Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Not Your Father's Air Force XXX (An Update)

Distinguished Warfare Medal Eliminated Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday eliminated
the Distinguished Warfare Medal, opting instead to create a new distinguishing
device to affix to existing medals in order to recognize military personnel,
such as remotely piloted aircraft and cyber operators, who have an extraordinary
impact on combat operations while serving off the battlefield. "Utilizing a distinguishing device to recognize
impacts on combat operations reserves our existing combat medals for those service
members who incur the physical risk and hardship of combat, perform valorous acts,
are wounded in combat, or as a result of combat give their last full measure for
our nation," reads Hagel's April 15 memorandum explaining his
decision. Hagel adopted the April
9 recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in concurrence with the service Secretaries, to forego the
medal. His memo directs the Defense Department to develop within the next 90
days the award criteria and other details of the distinguishing device for his final
approval. The Pentagon in February unveiled
the DWM. The medal's order of precedence—above the Bronze Star Medal—raised
objections among some lawmakers and veterans' organizations. Hagel then ordered
a review of the DWM led by JCS Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey. (See also
Hagel's statement.)

Well, that's good news... sorta. I can hear these sorts o' conversations in the future...

Q: How'd ya get yer Bronze Star?

A: I successfully completed 21 drone missions over The Af.

Q: Drone missions? You got a Bronze Star for that?

A: Yeah... see this lil device thingie on my ribbon? That explains it all.